The Great North Run is an amazing fun-packed event that takes the North East by storm every year! People travel nationally and internationally to take part in the 13.1 mile race, work up a sweat and raise money for their chosen charities.
This year, six of our YMCA North Tyneside staff including the YMCA Panda took up the challenge and ran alongside 57,000 runners including Mo Farah.
Our competitors ran to raise money for one of our main causes – our young people within supported accommodation. We currently house 20 young people, all of whom do not have another home to go to. By 2017, our goal is to give a home to 100 homeless young people and the £1600 raised by our team will help significantly.
Jenni Sime who took part in the event said;
“I really enjoyed myself and was proud of my finishing time. I found it tough but the thought of raising money to provide opportunities for young people who have had many set-backs in life spurred me on. I also had a panda chasing me…”
Steve Pugh, otherwise known as the YMCA Panda says:
“One of the main struggles these young people face alongside homelessness is hopelessness.”
We can’t wait to see the positive impacts of where this money goes and to hear more amazing stories of lives turned around.
#GiveThemHope